Catching up: Days 11, 12, 13 and 14

Well, I've really bombed the past few days. I haven't made a post in four days. Shame on me! BUT, I'm here now and I plan to stay caught up. I am going to set a reminder on my phone for the rest of the month to help me remember. Here goes catch up:

Day 11: Green


Lucas, Mom, Kat, and I walked to Babylon on Friday night for dinner. On the way home, I saw some greenery and thought it was perfect. Sadly, it is not real. This photo would'be been much better if it had been.

Day 12: Joy is...

Goodness, so many things in my life bring me joy. It difficult to pinpoint just one. Since I just received my final grades for the semester today, I thought it would be appropriate to go with learning. I love to learn. School is just one source of knowledge, for my future career. I also enjoy learning about cooking techniques, party ideas, gift ideas, psychology studies, budgeting strategies, and so much more.

Day 13: Presents

This was perfect. Our annual Christmas party was yesterday, December 13th, so the presents picture was very fitting. Since several people got a picture of the presents under the tree, I decided to take a picture of all the presents I've received so far! Already this Christmas season, I've been so blessed with all the love and joy it brings.

The tree with its decorations and the dresser are the only two items in this photo I didn't receive for Christmas this year. What I have received from the photo is: a arm-knitted infinity scarf, Santa and Mrs. Claus salt and pepper shakers, a sushi roll ornament, handmade earrings, a wood burnt cutting board, owl wine glasses, a Kentucky-shaped cookie cutter, a RealSimple cookbook, and a small metal gift basket.

Day 14: Hot Drink

This is our coffee nook, for those that haven't seen it. It's a little messy right now but its functionality and visual appeal is slowly coming along. I just recently added the white lights to it. Before, you could hardly see a thing, even during the day. I'm really happy with how it turned out. Fun fact: This nook used to be a dumbwaiter. How stinkin' nifty are those things.

As for the hot drink, I had just made a cup of Peet's coffee in the Keurig. I may or may not have taken a few sips before snapping this photo.

Finally, I wanted to share the Gingerbread Thumbprint cookie recipe I made for our cookie exchange last night. I was super happy with how these cookies turned out and have already committed to making them for a Christmas gathering in my hometown. I got the recipe from blogger Yellow Bliss Road.

Enjoy!

Day 12: Joy is ... a Choice

"Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me."

About 30 minutes ago I was reminded of a bit of scripture that I really started to understand. (50 points to whoever can guess where the scripture came from before the end of this post.) I was first introduced to this particular group of scripture a few months ago in the women's Bible study I attend with Granny Eyre once a week. Today it really hit home for me. Life is full of choices and I fully believe life is what you make it. And no one said it better than Miley Cyrus herself. So for you listening pleasure I am including a link to hear her tell you about it. Here You Go. Okay now to chase this rabbit back. If life is full of choices that means I am allowed to choose, right? So I can choose joy. This is new to me though. Since I was a child I've always felt like I don't get to choose anything. Choosing is for people who deserve it but not for me, no way no how could I ever deserve the freedom to choose, especially something like joy. Joy, I thought was for people who did no wrong, people who were worth something, people who had their lives together and not broken. But I was wrong. To finally tie this back to my original quote, which in case you are still wondering comes from Philippians 4:11-13, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. This means I can choose and that includes joy. I am also to be content in all life's situations that I go through. In each situation because of Christ I can choose between joy and sadness (I am not saying that sadness isn't sometimes a good choice but this post is about joy.) Joy is for everyone no matter what, but it also a choice. So if you are feeling down and out choose joy because life is what you make it so let's make it right. I do realize though that is easier said than done. Joy is a choice and you and I are able to make that choice.

Today's picture comes from my journal, the first page with my notes that brought on the inspiration for this post.

Fun tidbit, this post took my a whole hour to write therefore it is now a new day day 13 to be exact. I will be making another post later on for that picture though.  I just hope this post makes some sort of sense and helps you see joy from my perspective. Goodnight. Captain Something Fun signing off.